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October 31, 2011

Monthly News - October 2011

-pic of the month- Gulf Craft in Doha

Azimut Wins Nautical Design Awards

Thursday, October 20, in Milan – capital of design and Made in Italy – the official ceremonies were held for the 2011 Nautical Design Awards, the most important and preeminent recognition devoted to boating design. Azimut Yachts was the star of the evening with Magellano 50, the secure and sophisticated long-range 50-footer that had its public premier one year ago. The panel of judges, which consisted of experts from the boating and design sectors coordinated by ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale – Association for Industrial Design) in collaboration with Yacht & Sail, recognised the Magellano 50, holder of the most awards in the category “Boats with Low Environmental Impact”, for its innovative capacity and extensive technological features in the service of the environment and the owner. Of the main characteristics, particularly noteworthy are the exclusive “Dual Mode” hull, a newly conceived semi-displacement hull that enables extremely smooth transition between displacement and planing modes, guaranteeing both optimal stability and comfort while underway and superior response and efficiency of the hull in both modes. With Magellano 50, Azimut Yachts offers not merely a new design but moreover new functions and a new yachting dimension, once again demonstrating its great innovative abilities and design and building expertise that puts it at the very top of the world boating industry. With the Nautical Design Award, the two yachts automatically gain access to another important triennial selection – open to all categories of products – the ADI Design INDEX, which brings with it the possibility of being awarded the Golden Compass, for more than 50 years the most coveted recognition for Italian design.

Azimut Wins Barca Dell'Anno 2011

The Azimut 45 has won the coveted 2011 Boat of the Year award from the magazine Vela e Motore, which was presented during the gala ceremony in Genoa on the evening of October 5. For ten years, this award has been given to the stars of the new boating season, conferring internationally important recognition on the winners. Once again, the Azimut brand, a part of the Azimut Benetti Group, has proven to be the market leader through the innovative spirit and unique design distinguishing its boats. In particular, the Azimut 45 model stood out for its functionality and design creativity; indeed, the most striking of these aspects are the modular flybridge, the offer of 2- or 3-cabin versions, the extraordinary galley with a length of 3.2 linear metres, and a VIP cabin amidships, whose size and the inclusion of a magnificent panoramic window make it a veritable second master cabin.

Azimut Earns Occupational Health and Safety System Certification

Azimut-Benetti SpA has obtained certification of its Occupational Health and Safety Management System, BS OHSAS 18001:2007. It is the first marine group specialized in luxury pleasure craft to obtain this certification for multiple production facilities. The certification was granted by the international body RINA and involved more than 14,000 hours of training to over 2,000 employees. While for the moment it regards the Avigliana and Savona works of Azimut Yachts and the Viareggio facility of the Benetti Class, extension of the certification to the Group’s other branches is already in the study and implementation phase.

Bavaria New Series

Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH announces at the Boat Show in Istanbul that it will be to adding a whole new series to their product range. In cooperation with Too Design, the renowned Italian design agency from Rome, the first model of the new luxury series is being developed at the moment and will be released in spring 2012. The team consisting of five designers and architects around Marco Casali already made a name for themselves within architecture, industrial and exhibition design. With its first model of this extraordinary design series Bavaria a will be entering a whole new segment.

Beneteau Group Communication

On Tuesday October 4th a broker passed on misleading comments to a certain number of investors, combining information released by the Group during the evening of Thursday September 29th with anonymous opinions from four dealers and unfounded rumors. Since then, many boat dealers have come forward to say that the claims do not reflect their business at the start of this season in any way at all. The Group would like to remind you that it will be communication on its vision of the market for 2011-12 season following the Autumn Shows as it does each year. However, it would like to clarify three points as of now. The Cannes and La Rochelle shows went well for the Group’s brands, with a level of activity that was virtually the same as last year. This indicator for the French market does not make it possible to draw any conclusions concerning changes in the overall market. Stocks of boats across the dealer networks are at normal levels for the start of this season. No Short-time working measures are planned or being looked into. Giving credence to this rumour can do nothing but undermine the qualty of labour relations established with the company. We are of course on hand should you require any further clarification or information following the communication.

Brunswick Higher Third Quarter Revenues

Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) today reported results for the third quarter of 2011: Net sales of $876.7 million, up 8 percent versus third quarter 2010. Operating earnings improved by $10.4 million from third quarter 2010. Net earnings of $0.05 per diluted share versus net loss of $0.08 per diluted share in the prior year. Excluding restructuring charges, loss on early extinguishment of debt and special tax items in 2011 and 2010, net earnings were $0.33 per diluted share and $0.07 per diluted share, respectively. Cash and marketable securities of $546.7 million; debt reduced by $84 million during the third quarter of 2011. For the third quarter of 2011, the Company reported net sales of $876.7 million, up from $815.4 million a year earlier. For the quarter, the Company reported operating earnings of $35.6 million, which included restructuring and exit charges of $13.2 million. In the third quarter of 2010, the Company had operating earnings of $25.2 million, which included $12.2 million of restructuring, exit and impairment charges. For the third quarter of 2011, Brunswick reported net earnings of $4.7 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $7.2 million, or $0.08 loss per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2010. The diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2011 included restructuring and exit charges of $0.14 per diluted share, loss on early extinguishment of debt of $0.13 per diluted share and a $0.01 per diluted share expense from special tax items. The earnings per diluted share for the third quarter of 2010 included $0.14 per diluted share of restructuring, exit and impairment charges and a $0.01 per diluted share loss on early extinguishment of debt.

Cigarette Named Readers Choice Again

Powerboat Magazine announced Cigarette Racing Team as the "Favorite V-Bottom" Manufacturer, for the second consecutive time, in its annual Readers' Choice Awards. The awards announcement was made in Powerboat's new internet magazine, in advance of the hard-copy December issue to be circulated at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27-31 and provides insights into the psyche of performance boaters. Cigarette will display its newest model, which it predicts is the "next generation of performance," at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, floating dock H-I. The model line currently includes deep-V hulls of 38-50', both the iconic traditional in-board and the popular out-board center consoles. Since 1969, the company has been built upon creating the perfect powerboat and as Braver goes into his 10th model year as Cigarette's owner, he has built a team that is intent on continuing to raise the bar of the performance industry.

CRN and Riva with Christian Jankowski at Frieze Art Fair London 2011

CRN and Riva, two luxury yachting brands of the Ferretti Group, will play a central role in an installation by Berlin-based artist Christian Jankowski, at this year’s Frieze Art Fair 2011. Curated by Sarah McCrory, The Finest Art on Water will be part of Frieze Projects, a series of special commissions which offer viewpoints that will elicit a shift in the viewer’s perception as they move through the fair. Jankowski has collaborated with yacht builders CRN, featuring the project of a 68 metre vessel, whose exteriors and interiors lines are designed by the designers of Officina Italiana Design, and will be produced by the shipyard in the contemporary artwork. The Aquariva Cento, a limited edition boat, also designed by Officina Italiana Design, that is available as a tender for CRN superyachts and embodies the modern Riva style and elegance, will be sculpturally displayed as part of the installation, simultaneously challenging an art audience and yacht lovers. Jankowski aims to engage directly with the idea of sales and exchange and the value of luxury goods. The Finest Art on Water is not only a yacht but also an art work; an exclusive, ready-made art piece that implicates, involves and engages the spectator. Visitors to the installation will play the part of prospective buyers, as they view the interior and listen to the description of the boat. Jankowski’s work encompasses film, video and performance in which, consciously or subconsciously, viewers become active participants. CRN specializes in the construction of fully customised mega yachts in steel and aluminum from 44 to 85 metres and has recently launched a revolutionary range of custom pleasure ships ‘Dislopen’, combining the aesthetics of open boats with the comfort of displacement vessels. The Aquariva Cento, designed by Officina Italiana Design, which will be displayed sculpturally at Frieze, is the ultimate in elegance and luxury and was commissioned as a special edition to celebrate the hundredth unit of the original Aquariva. The soft, elegant lines of the 33 foot Aquariva Cento exude tradition, whilst still managing to be highly innovative. The valuable, skilfully carpentered woods of the deck are mahogany with maple inlay and the innovative, electronically-controlled, two speed gearbox brings out all the passion and power of the two 380 horsepower Yanmar engines, resulting in an exceptional performance. Founded in 1842 in Sarnico, Riva is the oldest shipyard in the world never to have interrupted production and is protected by the Italian Fine Arts Society. The original quality and artisan care have been maintained over the years, to which innovation, elegance, style and design have been added. The history of CRN is a story full of successes, which have been accumulating right from the beginning. Set up by Sanzio Nicolini in 1963, the shipyard immediately established itself in a market which targeted a very selected clientele. This has been the guiding principle behind CRN right from the outset and has earned it a position among the top world builders of luxury mega yachts in association with important designers who helped establish the brand internationally. Riva and CRN have a strong history of working together, dating back more than 40 years. Now the two brands have a collaboration to produce a new line of megayachts measuring more than 50 metres.

Fairline Offers AwlGrip Hull Color Options

Fairline Boats, a luxury motor yacht manufacturer, is offering customers a variety of Awgrip hull colour options for the 2012 Fairline model range. In addition to the existing Fairline factory gelcoat colour options, owners will also have the choice of a wide selection of Awlgrip colours as an option when purchasing a new Fairline from the Squadron flybridge and Targa express cruiser ranges. Offering high resistance to UV, a deep shine and gloss, Awlgrip coatings are available in a range of colours, including fast-drying metallic, pearls and special effect coatings. The first Targa 58 Gran Turismo to feature a metallic silver hull was achieved using Awlcraft SE, a high performance, high gloss and robust topcoat system from Awlgrip. The paint work on this latest Targa 58 Gran Turismo was shown to prospects during the award-winning express cruiser’s recent tour of the western Mediterranean. The 2012 Fairline range includes the Targa 38, Targa 38 Gran Turismo, Targa 44 Open, Targa 44 Gran Turismo, Targa 50 Gran Turismo, Targa 58 Gran Turismo, Squadron 42, Squadron 50, Squadron 65, and the Squadron 78 Custom.

Ferretti Group to Restructure Captital

The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A., with the aim to maximize the value of the Group, also in light of an order portfolio that to date comprises approximately 465 million euros, an increase of around 44% compared to the 322 million euros on the same date in 2010, and also in consideration of the current financial market conditions, deliberated to start a consensual process to restructure its capital structure through a significant reduction in debt position and by raising new money. To this end, the Ferretti Group has already started talking to its main lenders, who have expressed their willingness to assess the possibility of such restructuring process. With regard to the offer by Shandong Heavy Industry Group (“SHIG”), the Board of Directors of the Ferretti Group, while confirming the industrial validity of a possible deal with the Chinese Company, deems that to date it still contains a number of elements of uncertainty, which therefore require further evaluation. The Ferretti Group therefore confirms its intention to continue to pursue discussions with counterparties with the aim to evaluate all opportunities. In terms of its business, despite the phase of contraction that the entire nautical sector is currently witnessing, the Ferretti Group continues to operate with the usual dynamism, taking part with its prestigious brands to all the main international nautical trade shows. After the Autumn shows in Cannes, Monaco and Genoa, the group today is present at the 52nd Boat Show in Ft. Lauderdale, with an impressive fleet of 15 models, of which 5 are exclusive debuts for the American market. In a bid to best satisfy the demands from the American markets, the Ferretti Group has presented in Ft. Lauderdale: the highly anticipated Ferretti Custom Line 100’ of the Ferretti Custom Line brand, the new Pershing 92’ of the Pershing brand, the Riva 86’ Domino of the Riva brand, the Ferretti 720 of the Ferretti Yachts brand and the Bertram 64’ of the Bertram brand. The Ferretti Group therefore confirms, also in this way, its objective of anticipating the trends of the nautical market in terms of quality and product innovation bringing forth the plans for its 8 brands that represent a prestigious example of the Made in Italy style around the world.

Ferretti Group Presents Ten iPad Apps

The Ferretti Group, one of the world's leaders in the design, construction and sale of motor yachts, is proud to present ten new applications designed exclusively for the Apple iPad. They are available free in the iPad App Store on iTunes, easily accessible by clicking on the icons above. The new apps allow users to get to know the history and current range of Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama, Riva, Mochi Craft and Ferretti Custom Line. Included are detail photos of both the interior and exterior of each yacht in the entire range in addition to deck by deck layouts to help you plan your next yacht. In addition to the full range application, single model applications have been developed for the Ferretti 720, Ferretti Custom Line Navetta 33 Crescendo, Pershing 74 and Itama 45. The Autumn 2011 edition of Protagonist, the exclusive magazine for Ferretti Group owners, is available as a free download in the iPad App Store. Published quarterly, Protagonist features the latest news from the Ferretti Group including the latest product launches, news & events. As you cruise into the end of the year, browse through the latest issue of iProtagonist. We are pleased to announce that the new Riva Iseo recently launched in Italy and is making its US debut later this year. Also enjoy some editor's picks highlighting the innovative Pershing 74 along with the announcement of the new Ferretti 690 and 870. Entrench yourself a little bit more in Ferretti Group's elegant lifestyle and make sure to take a minute to enjoy your time on the water this autumn.

Formula Boat Grabs National and World Championships

Offshore Team Formulaboats.com grabs National and World Championship. A Formula 382 Fastech has won the 2011 Amsoil Powerboat Series Class 4 National Championship Title! Ted Porter’s successful Precision Performance Engineering unlimited race team began working with TnT Racing to campaign the Formula 382 in the spring of 2010.

Gulf Craft Docks in Doha

Gulf Craft Inc., the leading manufacturer of fiberglass boat and yachts in the Middle East and Asia, docked at The Pearl, Qatar from October 27-29 as the host of its unique ‘Yachting Lifestyle Show’. Clients, media and the public were given the opportunity to view a range of luxury super yachts and yachts, sport cruisers and leisure boats from Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts, Oryx and Silvercraft brands at the Yachting Lifestyle Show, which was held in association with Gulf Craft’s Doha agents, Aurora Yachts and Speed Marine, as well as luxury lifestyle brand Tanagra. The Majesty 101 was the largest super yacht on display. Qatar has significant waterfront projects in various stages of development. For example, Lusail City, with a number of marinas and as many as 1,500 new berthing slots under development, is expected to become a busy maritime hub and waterfront destination when completed. In the meantime existing luxury lifestyle destinations such as The Pearl Qatar along the coast of Doha's prime West Bay district, already have berthing facilities available with more marina facilities planned, which are set to further boost the growth of the country’s marine leisure lifestyle. The country’s concentration of HNWIs and UHNWIs is another draw card. According to a recent report by Credit Suisse Research Institute, Qatar has the wealthiest people in the Middle East and North Africa region, with the average wealth per adult standing at $146,623 – a six-fold wealth increase since 2000.

Heesen Awarded the Prix du Design and two World Yacht Trophies.

Heesen Yachts, the Dutch shipyard and world leader in the construction of luxury superyachts, is proud to announce that MY Satori has recently been awarded two World Yacht Trophies in Cannes and the prestigious Prix du Design in Monaco. Satori is the first of Heesen’s new 50m aluminium class. Delivered last May and officially christened during the Monaco Grand Prix, has been cruising extensively in the Mediterranean. The World Yacht Trophies ceremony took place at the Carlton Beach, Cannes in mid-September. Satori was competing in the category Custom Yachts under 50m and she won both the Best Design and Best Layout and Decoration awards. Fabio Ermetto, Sales and Marketing Director at Heesen Yachts, collected the prizes and commented. The Prix du Design ceremony took place on board MY Satori herself whilst docked at Quai des Etats Unis during the XXI Monaco Yacht Show. HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, Gaëlle Tallarida – GM of the show – and Anna Becker from Nymphenburg, presented Satori’s Owner with the Prix du Design. The stunning trophy, the Volute Bowl, is a unique piece of ceramic designed by Ted Muheling and entirely hand crafted at the Nymphenburg atelier in Munich. Currently, eleven yachts, whose combined lengths total some 534 metres, will be delivered to their owners up to 2015 by Heesen Yachts. With designs driven by the latest technology, Heesen continues to epitomise state-of-the-art yacht-building.

Horizon Sign Second Mega Yacht Order for China

Horizon is pleased to announce a new mega yacht contract for a Horizon RP120 destined for the Chinese market – this is the second mega yacht order above 100 feet for China. The first, a 110ft Raised Pilothouse motoryacht, was recently completed and successfully sea tried in Kaohsiung Taiwan in August of this year. During the past few years, Horizon has expanded its home market of Asia, which now includes China and its growing demand for high quality super yachts. The Horizon RP120, in length of 120ft, will be the first yacht for its new owner, a successful business man from Shanghai, China who researched the Horizon RP120 against similarly-sized and styled yachts from all over the world. After a thorough evaluation of the quality, build flexibility and customer service offered by Horizon, the RP120 was the new owner’s choice for his first yacht. In the last 20 years, the Horizon Group has elevated Horizon to its current status as a global yacht brand and gained the largest market share for mega yachts 90 ft and above in neighboring markets such as Japan and Australia. Horizon endeavors to continue this trail of success and include the China super yacht market as one of the largest target markets.

Jarrett Bay Hull#56 Back Under Construction

Jarrett Bay is excited to announce that custom hull #56 has new owners and construction is officially back underway. Blank Check will be the largest build to date for Jarrett Bay Boatworks, and feature Twin MTU 16-V2000s at 2,600 hp each with conventional propulsion. With an anticipated launch date of Spring 2013, you'll be sure to hear a lot more about this build over the next year.

Linssen and Victorinox Share Vision

The new marketing concept of the renowned Maasbracht boatyard is a total success. During the HISWA in-water boat show in September, a new campaign was launched and new catalogues were issued. The show also featured the presentation of the first yacht resulting from the cross-marketing arrangement with Victorinox, the manufacturers of the Swiss Army Knife. The enthusiastic response was very satisfying for Yvonne Linssen, the third generation Linssen family member responsible for marketing and sales. The 30.9 Sedan Victorinox Edition is the first product that encapsulates the brand philosophy of both family firms in a entirely new dimension. The legendary quality and reliability of Victorinox knives applies in equal measure to the boats built in Maasbracht. Victorinox and Linssen are particularly proud of the fact that their shared vision and spontaneous cooperation (during the opening of the Victorinox Flagship Store along the Königsallee in Düsseldorf in February) quickly resulted in collaborative measures that both companies are skilfully exploiting and which extend far into 2012. The Victorinox Swiss Edition of Linssen Yachts is available as a 30.9 Sedan or in the AC version. As you would expect from a Linssen, this yacht is very complete and enhanced by the addition of Victorinox insignias (the famous cross and shield trademark). It goes without saying that the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is also included. The striking red coating and the white superstructure clearly reflect this splendid product. Both versions are provided with very economical Volvo Penta diesel engines that guarantee efficient fuel use, low noise levels and environmentally-friendly operation. These characteristics have been very important to both companies for years as they have always placed great emphasis on sustainable energy use and respect for the environment! The 30.9 Victorinox with hull no. 2948 named "Emilia" did not feature long in the showroom as it was soon sold. The proud owner – who has been a convinced Victorinox Swiss Army Knife enthusiast since the age of 14 – is delighted with his new yacht. A series of 20 yachts in the Victorinox Swiss Edition has been planned. The second boat in this exclusive series is now under construction and is expected to be delivered to its owner in Switzerland in May 2012.

Maritimo New Interior Styling

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was the first opportunity for US boating enthusiasts to view Maritimo's new interior styling by internationally awarded designer David Stewart. The new interior styling has already been a big success on the Australian boating scene since it was first launched in May this year and Maritimo extend an invitation for your own private viewing. The new interiors can be seen on the long range M48 Cruising Motoryacht and the 440 Offshore Convertible. Also on display was the C50 Sports Cabriolet, the 500 Offshore Convertible, the M56 Cruising Motoryacht and in conjunction with Twin Disc the C60 Sports Cabriolet featuring Twin Disc's EJS (Express Joystick System).

Overmarine Docks in Brazil

Overmarine Group’s development of new markets continues through the signing a new agreement for Brazil with Le Mon Group do Brazil. Le’Mon Group do Brasil today has become an uncontested reference in the world of luxury yachting in Brazil. The Le’Mon Group team relies on many decades of global experience in the entire yachting arena, private yachting, charter or fleet management, providing clients with an added value to purchasing decisions. Le’Mon Group is a network which encompasses technical experts including financial and fiscal advisors guarantying Brazilian clients an optimized service for the purchase and management of yacht as well as potential charter operations. The official agreement between Overmarine Group and Le’Mon Group was launched at the Sao Paolo Boat Show (13th-18th October 2011) with a Mangusta 130 scale model and images of the performing Maxi Open on display during a press conference with all the local media.

Overmarine New Communication Strategy

As anticipated at Cannes, Overmarine Group has embarked on a new communication strategy with a new advertising campaign and communication tools including a new website along with a new business strategy with the selection of strategic partners. As part of the new strategy, the Overmarine Group is developing the industrial area with a particular focus of the new structures in Pisa that will allow the Group to soon enter a new market segment: custom-built yachts in steel and aluminum. The facilities in the new boating area of Pisa cover an area of 20,000 square meters, of which 9,000 are covered with a height of 20 meters. These spaces allow the construction of yachts over 60 meters. The facilities will be opened early next year and in the meantime the project of the Mangusta 205 will be finalized and production will begin as soon as the premises will be available. The Mangusta range has also been renovated, while maintaining the timeless design, through the introduction of new technical and aesthetic improvements.

Palm Beach Takes Best Powerboat Trophy

The Australian designed and built Palm Beach 55 motor yacht has, for the second consecutive year, been awarded the prestigious ‘Best Powerboat’ trophy for its category at the Newport International Boat Show in America. The Palm Beach 55 Express was recognized by the judges as being superior to many of the world’s best-known brands in motor yachts. It is the first time in the 41-year history of this highly regarded show that the same company has won this award two years in a row. The Newport International Boat Show, which is staged on the historic waterfront of Newport, Rhode Island, is the official venue for the debut of the best new boats and boating products for America’s 2012 season. It is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country. Richards, who is well known in international sailing circles as the skipper of Sydney Hobart race record holder and five-time line honours winner, Wild Oats XI, said that apart from impressing the judges, the Palm Beach 55 proved to be a ‘show-stopper’ with boating enthusiasts in Newport. They were most impressed by the Palm Beach 55’s styling, sensible accommodation plan, standard of finish and performance. A New York businessman ordered a Palm Beach 50 on the spot during the Newport show, and subsequently a Florida couple ordered a Palm Beach 55. Richards is expecting more orders to be confirmed within weeks. The company has four models in its range – the Palm Beach 45, 50, 55 and 65.

Riviera at Full Throttle

Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded pleasure boat builder is powering forward into the southern hemisphere summer with 32 new boats with a retail value of $50 million currently under construction and all scheduled for pre-Christmas completion and delivery. The 32 boats currently under construction are destined for owners around Australia and around the world including Dubai, Seattle, New Zealand, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Russia. Riviera’s chief operating officer Paul Lyons said production staff were on track to complete the full compliment of boats before Christmas. Riviera has received a lot of positive feedback at these recent major boat shows and there has been strong interest in Riviera’s latest models, the new 53 Enclosed Flybridge which has sold 17 since its launch in May 2011, 61 Series II Enclosed Flybridge which has sold 8 since its launch in May 2011 and 43 Open Flybridge which has sold 30 since its launch in May 2010. This continued strong support for the brand and improved exchange rates is positive news for Riviera’s exports. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said there was growing international demand for Riviera’s luxury cruisers. Riviera looks forward to 2012 and the continued growth of export sales and is actively searching for quality, skilled tradespeople and production employees with a positive and committed attitude who want to work for a world-class company, building high quality, prestigious boats for domestic and international clients. In Riviera’s 30 year history, the company has produced more than 4,800 boats, 60 different models and currently employs more than 400 staff at its state-of-the-art 14 hectare facility in Coomera, Queensland, Australia.

Riviera Congratulates its Graduating Apprentices

Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded pleasure boat builder has congratulated nine of its apprentices who through hard work and dedication are now qualified tradesmen. Human Resources manager Deanne Lugton said it was pleasing to see apprentices graduating from all realms of the boat building industry. Graduating apprentices Scott Salmon (Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction), Stuart Tilsley (Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction), Rhys Phillips (Certificate III in Plastics Composites), Robert Geddes (Certificate III in Engineering Electrical/Electronics), Mitchell Seaward (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Cabinet Making), Bradley Herselman (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Wood Machining), Luke Hawkins (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Cabinet Making), Jai Schmitt (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Cabinet Making) and Jayden Anderson (Certificate Marine Craft Construction) were elated to be recognized for their achievement. Riviera hosted a special lunch to congratulate its newest tradesmen where Riviera’s chief operating officer Paul Lyons commended all nine apprentices on completing their apprenticeships. In Paul’s address at the lunch he said Riviera had a history of more than 15 years in training and helping to develop the company’s apprentices.

Sanlorenzo Awarded Best Boat of the Year

The new Sanlorenzo yacht has been awarded as best superyacht at the 51st Genoa International Boat Show. The jury of the Award, created by the well affirmed magazine Vela&Motore (Edisport Publishing), now at its 10th edition, gave the recognition to the SL94 as Best Boat of the Year 2011 for the superyacht cathegory exhibited at the 51st International Boat Show. The reasons of the jury composed of University professors, yacht designers and experts of the yachting world are the following: An innovative yacht produced by a Shipyard that get us used to the beauty without exaggerations, to the plain elegance applied in a hull of 28.60 meters but rich of innovations also regarding the onboard way of lining. A yacht to enjoy the sea faultlessly and the most strict elegance, with solutions offering more comfort and privacy to the owner and his guests. A praise to the brave entrepreneurial soul and to the interior designer, Francesco Paszkowski at his best creative effort in trend with the tailor made tradition of the Shipyard.

Sunreef CEO Meets France Prime Minister

Sunreef’s CEO Francis Lapp, had a pleasure to meet in person the Prime Minister of France, Mr. François Fillon, visiting Poland on the occasion of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in between 29 and 30 September 2011 in Warsaw. On 29 September, a meeting with French community living in Poland was organized in French Embassy in Warsaw. Gathering most successful French entrepreneurs operating in Poland, the meeting was oriented towards emphasizing common historical and political bonds and discussing business cooperation between both countries. Francis Lapp had a chance to exchange a few words with Mr. Fillon who congratulated Sunreef’s founder on his innovating ideas and international success with the Sunreef brand.

Sunreef Establishes US Office

Globally renowned for its luxury custom-made catamaran yachts, Sunreef Yachts keeps spreading its wings and has been speeding up the promotion process within the Americas. The Poland-based shipyard has now established its first US office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the new centrally-located office on SE 17th Street, a short walking distance to the Pier 66 Marina. The US office has been operating since 2009 as the American base for Sunreef Yachts Charter, and is now expanding to sales and brokerage. Sales operations will be led by Martha Lukasik, President of Sunreef Yachts Charter and recently named Sunreef Sales Director for the Americas. Martha has been with Sunreef Yachts for more than 7 years and she has all the knowledge and contacts to reinforce the brand through a consistent brokerage network and direct client relations. The US team also participated the Fort Lauderdale boat show.

Sunreef TV New Videos

Filmed partly in Gdansk, Poland and partly in Cannes, after the Festival de la Plaisance 2011, our recent videos feature new yachts launched in May 2011: Sunreef 58 IN THE WIND and the 70 Sunreef Power Damrak II. Both yachts will attend the upcoming Antigua Charter Show in December 2011 displayed by Sunreef Yachts Charter.

Sunseeker Go Around the Globe with Peters and May

Peters & May, the global leader in boat shipping and logistics, recently shipped two Sunseeker yachts to Hong Kong from the yacht builder's shipyard in Poole, UK. As an independent shipping company, without ties to any particular carrier, Peters & May can devise a variety of shipping options to suit a client's budget, time-table and destination. The Sunseeker Predator 115 has a raised wheel house and full fly-bridge, which adds to the challenge of shipping such a sizable, tall boat. This Predator became the largest boat to be transported under-deck on a container vessel which helped to ensure its safety and protection from the elements in transit. Floating cranes were used to load the 135-ton yacht from the water to the container vessel enroute to Hong Kong. The second yacht, a Sunseeker Predator 130, was shipped directly to Hong Kong on a general cargo ship, or break bulk vessel to reduce its transit time and protect it from other cargo onboard. The 145-ton Sunseeker yacht was loaded onto a Peters & May custom-made cradle, lifted by the ship's own gear and shipped to Hong Kong, where it was discharged directly into the water.

Sunseeker Supplier Awards 2011

Sunseeker International's Supplier of the Year Awards 2011 were hosted by Andrew Macdonald - Director of Procurement at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Tuesday 20th September on the Sunseeker stand. The awards were presented by President Robert Braithwaite at a morning reception for the award winners. The awards are presented to suppliers and partners who have been recognized for their outstanding performance in meeting the organizations most demanding requirements. Following the reception all guests were able to visit the boats on display and see how their products or services contribute to the finished product. This year's winners were: MSA Manufacturing Ltd who received the Award for Production Support; Amber Composites Ltd who received the Award for Technical Innovation; Marine Concepts Ltd who received the Award for Quality; The Electric Center who received the Award for Value Improvement; Key Industrial Equipment Ltd who received the Award for Outstanding Service; Andrew Rice from Elite Fabrications and Welding Ltd who received the Award for Outstanding Individual Service; Mploy Staffing Solutions Ltd who received the Award for Indirect Supplier; Candido Hermida who received the Award for Best New Supplier; Trend Marine Ltd who received the Award for Business Improvement; Sunseeker International Mouldings Ltd who received the Award for Best Internal Supplier.

Sunseeker Accepts RINA Green Plus Certification

Sunseeker International accepted the prestigious Rina Green Plus Certification at the Green Yacht Plus Awards that were held on the opening night at the recent Monaco Yacht Show which welcomed HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. The Green Plus Certification is granted by RINA as further recognition to those companies that will go that one step further with investing in environmental excellence to achieve the highest level of certification. To attain Green Plus Certification, Sunseeker International was put through a stringent and in-depth testing process where RINA evaluated ten different pollution sources from engine requirements through to environmental control procedures. All Sunseeker craft throughout the range have attained recognition for incorporating the highest possible standard of environmental performance and energy efficiency, whilst making a significant investment with design solutions, onboard equipment and operational procedures; which all contribute to an improvement in environmental performance beyond the levels required by international regulation on environmental protection. RINA is one of the oldest classification societies and certification companies in the world. Today the company spans the globe as a multi-faceted company, sharing its knowledge and experience through a wide range of services which help industries and the community to improve their business quality of life. The company is committed to continuous improvements in its environmental practices.